Cyclone Alfred Hits Eastern Australia, Causing Widespread Disruptions

Cyclone Alfred has battered cities in eastern Australia, bringing strong winds and heavy rain that have forced schools to close in the affected areas. Public transport has been disrupted, and grocery stores remain closed in many locations.

Queenslanders have been warned that the storm is expected to hit the coast near Brisbane around 4 a.m. on Saturday and may take up to six hours to move across the coast.

Residents of Queensland and New South Wales have also been advised to prepare for strong winds and flooding. The Bureau of Meteorology predicts winds of up to 120 km/h on both sides of the Queensland and New South Wales border.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that 660 schools in southern Queensland and 280 schools in northern New South Wales remained closed on Thursday due to Cyclone Alfred.